1.
When Baxter was closed, that community was told that the next school on
that site would be a new elementary building there. How do we explain this change?
The
3 x 3 Elementary Schools Task Force continues to explore the alternatives for
Portland’s elementary schools. At this
point, no final decisions have been made and Baxter remains an option for a new
elementary school.
The
above-mentioned CBHS long-term facilities task force will stay connected with
the 3 x 3 Elementary Schools Task Force to ensure that any decisions that are
made are consistent and make sense for the district as a whole.
2.
Does CBHS preclude the building of a new elementary school on the
Baxter site?
No,
both the 3 x 3 Elementary Schools Task Force and the CBHS long-term facilities
task force continue to explore those issues.
3.
Would a new building on the Baxter site require us to cut down trees in
Baxter Woods? How many? What would this entail?
At this point it’s too early to tell. The 3 x 3 Elementary Schools Task Force and
the CBHS long-term facilities task force will stay connected as each moves
towards a recommendation.
4.
And if we can’t claim Baxter as a possible site for a new Clifford,
what does this mean in terms of the state process?
The
3 x 3 Task Force continues to explore the options for Portland’s elementary
schools. Superintendent O’Connor is
comfortable that we can work closely with the state of Maine to ensure the best
possible elementary school decision for our students, their parents, staff and
community.
5.
Why is this decision within the purview of the superintendent? Why hasn’t the school committee voted on
this decision?
The duties of school boards (committees) are
primarily set forth in Maine statutes.
In a nutshell, the Board is responsible for developing and adopting
policies to guide and operate the school district. The Board employs the superintendent to carry out its policies
through the implementation of regulations and administrative procedures. The decision to move CBHS to Baxter is an
implementation that falls within the superintendent’s purview.